India, June 3 -- When Maria (name changed) from Tirupati nearly gave up her dream of higher education in 2023, it was not because she lacked ambition. It was simply because she lacked the means. She had just joined the Indian School of Development Management (ISDM), to attend a 11-month programme in development management. She lost her father that same year, and her mother became the sole earning member of the family. It was an emotionally and financially overwhelming period. The Fatima Sheikh Financial Assistance Programme (FSFAP) and additional scholarship support helped her take the step to join ISDM at a time when she was still apprehensive about committing to the programme. Through this structure, Maria completed her education and no...